Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
For the joy of becoming all that we could possibly need to be all that God has in mind for us, Jesus endured all the required suffering.
What did we need?
To be these things to us he endured the cross. “The cross” is just short hand way of expressing all the suffering it was going to take to make him the servant of God who would be perfectly qualified to help us.
Now, for the joy of becoming all that others could possibly need you to be to become all that God has in mind for them — insofar as it depends on you — you are also called to endure all the required suffering.
What do others most need you to be?
Someone who helps them become more aware of how precious they are to God.
What suffering is required of you to become that someone?
The suffering of constantly giving up the freedom to think and do whatever you want for the sake of the freedom to think and do what pleases the Lord.
We suffer through it, day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment, because the net effect of thinking and doing what pleases the Lord always results in helping us become that person who helps others experience something more of how precious they are to God.
And to be that someone is the fullness of joy God has set before you.
